Coronavirus: 3 new Assam cases linked to Nizamuddin markaz, 1 each in Manipur, Arunachal

Three more people who attended a Delhi religious congregation linked to a large coronavirus case cluster have tested positive in Assam’s Goalpara district, adding to a state caseload that has risen from zero to 16 in just 36 hours.

All patients infected with the coronavirus in Assam took part in the congregation, held at the Tablighi Jamaat group’s markaz in Nizamuddin last month. The group’s leader has been booked by the city police.

“Assam has reached a very critical juncture,” said Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal on Wednesday. “In this hour of crisis, irrespective of any caste, creed and religion, we have to abide by all the rules of lockdown.”

New cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation were also reported in neighbouring Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said he was “very sad” and “alert” as he posted news of his state’s second patient on Twitter early on Thursday morning.